Forsaking Foolishness

June 9, 2017

I was looking through some old notebooks of mine and found a series of verses about the way of the fool from the book of Proverbs. It’s funny how one can fall into the very habits they had recognized as foolish years ago. It’s a good reminder. And I’ve been a fool.

“The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.” It’s so easy for me to take offense when I feel I’m not being treated with respect – and to show it! But a wise man doesn’t.

“It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.” Similar to the above, except this one might involve sticking our noses into things that are not directly related to us. (Doesn’t this accurately describe about 90% of what’s on the internet?) Wisdom avoids strife and only fights when it’s necessary.

“A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.” Contrary to the “express yourself” culture, maybe it’s not so smart to wear my feelings on my sleeve. After all, some of my feelings are dumb. Some are mistaken. Some are counterproductive – there is no benefit in airing them. And many are fleeting. What I feel this moment may not be what I am feeling an hour from now.